VDOT nearly $200 million over snow budget for this season

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -The Richmond winter has been far from a mild one in Central Virginia.

The harsh winter season has also kept Virginia Department of Transportation crews busy out on the roads.

Because of the severe weather, VDOT Spokeswoman, Tamara Rollison said the department is well over their snow budget for the season.

Statewide, VDOT budgeted $157 million for snow removal this season.

Now, it expects to spend $350 million, putting them over budget by nearly $200 million, which has some drivers concerned.

"If they need more resources they're going to have to pull it from somewhere," said Theresa Noel. "Where's that going to be?"

Rollison said the extra money used for snow removal comes out of a larger maintenance fund.

She said to balance the budget, VDOT is considering limiting overtime for non-emergency situations, as well as limiting buying new equipment and putting off the completion date of some pavement projects.

Rollison said it's too early to tell how the department is going to compensate for the additional costs, but wants to emphasize that VDOT's priority is to keep the current roads in good condition for drivers.

3 comments

Manalishi.

The bi-partisan transportation bill takes in enough to pay this debt in 2 1/2 months. Hows about NOT planting shrubs and high maintenance vegetation to mow around? Hows about re-education convicts through labor? Hows about a deadbeat dad reprieve for labor in this sham economy?